The California State University Employee Update
Monday, November 22, 2010

CSU Gets High Marks in Statewide Poll

Nearly two-thirds of Californians continue to rate the California State University as doing a good or excellent job, according to the results of the recently released higher education poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC). In addition, 74 percent of Californians surveyed feel that state funding of higher education is inadequate while nearly all Californians (97 percent) say the state's higher education system is important to the quality of life and economic vitality of the state.

The fourth annual survey, “Californians and Higher Education,” polled about 2500 California adult residents from October 19 to November 2.

"The results of the PPIC poll reaffirm that higher education is integral to the future of California," said CSU Chancellor Charles B Reed. "It is our hope that the incoming governor and the legislature will feel the same way and continue to make funding higher education a priority."

More than two out of three Californians say state spending on higher education should be given a high or very high priority and 74 percent say state funding for public colleges and universities is not enough. Although the CSU received a partial restoration of funding in the 2010-11 state budget, the level of state support remains at approximately 2005-06 levels. Additionally, 97 percent of Californians say that given all of the issues facing the new governor in 2011, planning for the future of the state's higher education system is important, and most (66 percent) believe educational quality will suffer if state government makes budget cuts to higher education. More information.

Plans for New Data Center Model Underway

In an effort to improve services to students, faculty, and staff and increase operating efficiency, the CSU has begun planning for the next generation of data center services for the CSU’s Common Management Systems (CMS).

The current set of data center services (server hosting, systems administration and data storage) supports the application software and databases that comprise the Common Management Systems. CMS helps the CSU streamline and manage student administrative support as well as financial information and human resources support.

As an initial step in planning for next generation services, the Chancellor’s Office issued a Request for Information to solicit information on the available services and options for data center models. The next step includes an analysis of alternative models to help guide an overall CMS data center strategy. If appropriate, the CSU will release a Request for Proposal for data center services in the first quarter of 2011.

“The upcoming contract expiration for the data center makes this an opportune time for us to consider our options,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Quillian, CSU’s Executive Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance. “It is essential to identify alternative models that will allow us take advantage of new and future technologies, leverage economies of scale, and provide reliable and secure services. This will help us continue to improve service to our students and our employees, while managing costs and evaluating any cost savings opportunities.”